The Industry Enhancement Centre (IEC) is at the forefront of empowering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Uganda’s Oil and Gas sector. Earlier today, we had a courtesy visit from Samantha Muhwezi Kassami, the Chief Operating Officer at UNOC, accompanied by the National Content Lead, Rosette Komugisha, and National Content Supervisor, Peter Ssempebwa, both from TotalEnergies. They vouched for support and commitment to the IEC to drive growth and sustainability in Uganda’s Oil and Gas industry.
Introduction to IEC
Christine Senteza, a key coordinator at IEC, emphasizes the centre’s mission to combine and uphold the values, programs, and services that define its role as a pivotal resource for Uganda’s Oil and Gas industry. The IEC’s website has been designed to provide SMEs with seamless access to registration for various programs, trainings, workshops, and events.
Recently, the IEC successfully concluded the B2B Oil and Gas networking event, which was a significant milestone. Additionally, we launched a 2-day introduction to the Oil and Gas course and conducted a Supplier Development workshop on Tax Compliance, all aimed at fostering industry knowledge and stakeholder collaboration.
Key Focus and Partnerships
In collaboration with URA, PWC, and PAU, we are focused on identifying and addressing the key challenges faced by SMEs. By doing so, we aim to create viable solutions tailored to each challenge. The centre’s primary goal is to ensure SMEs have access to everything needed for success, including; bids and tenders, business and employment opportunities, information, and financial support.
Coordination with UNOC
The IEC’s partnership with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) has been instrumental in advancing its mission. Key activities include:
– Hosting UNOC Supplier Development Workshops.
– Engaging UNOC for technical support.
– Publicising and sharing available UNOC opportunities such as jobs, bids, contracts, and tenders.
– Enhancing public awareness about the centre and its offerings.
Samantha Muhwezi Kassami’s visit highlighted the collaborative efforts between UNOC and IEC, showcasing the commitment to developing local content and enhancing industry growth.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, UNOC plans to host Supplier Development Workshops at the centre. They also intend to work closely with the government to find ways to support SMEs more effectively. This involves collaboration with various government institutions, such as the NSSF and the Ministry of Finance, to ensure their initiatives align with local and national content objectives.
Engaging the URA to facilitate the growth of emerging SMEs and initiating policy discussions based on the challenges expressed by SMEs are also high on their agenda.
Conclusion
The Industry Enhancement Centre remains dedicated to its mission of supporting and empowering SMEs within Uganda’s oil and gas sector. Through strategic partnerships, targeted programs, and ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders, the IEC continues to drive innovation and growth, ensuring a robust future for the industry.
